Years ago, we ran from rooted. The idea of being planted somewhere, perennially in the same spot, with the responsibilities that accumulate with time, was frightening. So it’s interesting that the concept now brings comfort, happiness and even freedom.
When we consider the year ahead, we’re choosing “rooted” as our inspiration. So we can appreciate what we all have and are creating with our families here in Wisconsin, but also to lean into all that the term implies.
It’s about staying grounded and down-to-earth as we navigate parenthood, and finding the humor and joy wherever we can.
It’s creating community with those around us on similar paths. It’s being strong on our own but learning to depend on each other. It’s supporting one another as we all make our own unique choices, based on what’s best for our families and lives.
It’s calling BS on the comparisons and superficiality and petty things that somehow become inflated as life gets hectic — ignoring them and turning our attention to what really matters and how we want to spend our time.
It’s knowing who we are and what we’re all about, and celebrating our common bonds as well as our differences. It’s about not judging — ourselves or anyone else.
It’s about love. Finding, fostering and sharing it everywhere we can.
Those are the roots we want to cultivate. That’s the base we want our kids to have, and never doubt the existence of, as they grow. Because when they have a foundation of love, of the real, of community and support, there’s no limit to how broadly they can branch.